Jalisco is nearly as famous for its cuisine as its Tequila, and you will have a chance to sample it all, from banquet style dinners to street taco lunches ...more

Jalisco = Tequila Country

Home to Mexico's 2nd largest city, Guadalajara, Jalisco is located in central western Mexico, along the Pacific coast. The combination of a dry climate and volcanic soil make the perfect conditions for growing blue agave - the raw material for Tequila. This is why, even though there are 5 Mexican states where Tequila can legally be produced, almost all of it comes from Jalisco.

Within Jalisco, there are two primary regions:

The Valley of Tequila

The Highlands

The Two Regions

The Valley of Tequila

Located about an hour northwest of Guadalajara, the Valley of Tequila is the birthplace of its namesake. It is nestled between mountain ranges on either side, and dominated by the dormant Tequila Volcano in the middle, whose natural springs still supply water to many of the distilleries that sit beneath it. All around the volcano, the Valley's acidic, volcanic soil nourishs the powder blue 'pencas' of the many agaves grown here.

Most of the distilleries in the Valley of Tequila are located in and around its most famous towns: the villages of Tequila, Amatitán & El Arenal. Just minutes apart on the highway, these colonial pueblos are the center of the Tequila world. There you will find the biggest distilleries in Mexico across the street from traditional artisan operations.

The Highlands

Off to the northeast, The Highlands are higher up on the central Mexican mountain plateau, reaching almost 7,000 feet above sea level. The elevation makes for dramatic scenery and singular conditions in the region's soil. Indeed, the Highlands may be harder to access, but they are no less rich in tradition or the quality of the Tequila they produce -- the elevation, cooler climate and iron-rich soil all contribute to the sweeter, fruitier flavor profile that is associated with the Highlands.